Frequently Asked Questions

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  Permission to participate in the program requires the approval of all the officials listed on the form.
  
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  An INSEAD Faculty Exchange member or Wharton faculty member must agree to serve as a sponsor during the duration of the PhD student’s visit.
  
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  ALL approvals must be obtained two months before the registration date at the host institution.
  

Am I guaranteed to be able to go on exchange?

Exchanges are not automatic. In order to be sure that the timing of the visit has greatest educational value, the department and visitor must work out an optimal time—something that is a function of the student’s goals for the visit and the department’s ability to accommodate a visitor.

No. There is a limit to the number of students per exchange period and all PhD student exchange criteria must be met. Exchanges are not automatic. In order to be sure that the timing of the visit has greatest educational value, the department and visitor must work out an optimal time—something that is a function of the student’s goals for the visit and the department’s ability to accommodate a visitor. The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania does not allow students to merely show up; they have to have letters of invitation that include a statement of the planned duration of the visit and the visit’s goal.

What is expected of an exchange student?	The exchange student should be actively involved in the life of the host department and attend all organized events, seminars, etc. The student is expected to spend the majority of their exchange visit on campus of the host school.	The exchange student should be actively involved in the life of the host department and attend all organized events, seminars, etc. The student is expected to spend the majority of their exchange visit on campus of the host school.
What is the status of a PhD student studying abroad?	Wharton PhD students remain full-time students registered at the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School during the time spent on the exchange program. A special course #996 for “Dissertation Abroad” will be set up for the student by their Department administrator if the student is visiting during the Fall or Spring term. PhD students do not register for summer courses.	INSEAD PhD students remain full-time students of INSEAD during the time spent on the exchange program.
I’m an International student. Do I need to apply for a student visa?	Yes. INSEAD will assist you with this process.	Yes. Wharton will assist you with this process. PENN Global Student Scholar Services
2. Courses, Credits & Transcripts
Can credit be obtained for coursework?	Wharton PhD students may only obtain up to a maximum of 3 CU’s of elective course work from INSEAD. No course credit for courses that have a core program requirement will be given. Elective courses taken at INSEAD must be related to the PhD student’s dissertation research and approved by the Faculty PhD Coordinator in their department before a transfer of credit is given. PhD students can refer to the Wharton PhD Resources website: http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/doctoral-inside/ for information on how to obtain Transfer of Credit for Graduate coursework.	INSEAD PhD students going to Wharton for course work need to have the prior agreement of their Area in order to validate their elective course work at Wharton. The coursework should be relevant to their research interests. Transfer of credit (s) for taken courses at Wharton will have to be approved by the INSEAD PhD Office in coordination with the Area PhD representative. No course credit for core and required area courses will be given.
Do I have access to classes outside of the business school?	INSEAD is a stand-alone business school. There are no departments outside of the business school.	The exchange agreement is for Wharton PhD courses only. Exchange students may not take courses at other schools within the University of Pennsylvania, including those offered by the Lauder Program.
Where can I find a list of courses?	Course lists are updated for both Wharton and INSEAD each academic term and can be located on the Wharton PhD Resources website: http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/doctoral-inside/ *Note: Wharton does not offer PhD level courses during Summer Sessions.	Course lists are updated for both INSEAD and Wharton each academic term and can be located on the INSEAD PhD Resources website: http://www.insead.edu/phd/program/prog_INSEAD.cfm
Is this a dual-degree program? Do I get a diploma from the host school?	No.	No.
What does it say on my diploma and transcript?	Courses taken on exchange will not appear on your transcript. You will be given transfer credit if the PhD Coordinator approves the courses. You can apply to PhD elective courses for your doctoral program. Your diploma will not mention INSEAD. *Each course credit is equivalent to 1CU (Credit Unit). See Wharton Policy and Procedures on Transfer Credit.	Courses taken on exchange appear on your INSEAD transcript. Your diploma does not mention Wharton.
Do I become an alumna/alumnus of the host school?	No. You have access to the alumni database during the period of the exchange but not before or after.	No. You have access to the alumni database during the period of the exchange but not before or after.
3. Finance & Funding
What kind of funding is available as part of the PhD Exchange?